Sport, Cultural Identity, and Masculinity

This is the first book to shed light on the nuanced relationship between sports, cultural identity, and masculinity by examining the experiences of male Afghan and Pakistani athletes, within their respective regions and abroad. This book draws on various sociocultural frameworks, such as decolonization theory, to dissect power dynamics, critique the influence of neoliberal policies in contemporary South Asian societies, and unpack the concept of masculinity by challenging widespread yet often unexamined beliefs. Presenting important new material on sports, including cricket and traditional sports like buzkashi, this book investigates the far-reaching impact of key geopolitical events, such as the fall of Kabul in 2021, in order to understand how these pivotal moments reshape the landscape of sports in these countries, from participation rates to the meaning and experience of athletic pursuits, especially for those who have migrated or are considering migration. It also offers a critical analysis of how Western media narratives often oversimplify and homogenize the representations of Pakistani and Afghan athletes, and challenges stereotypes that contribute to systemic issues such as inequities and violence against Afghan and Pakistani athletes in the Global North and against Afghan athletes in Pakistan. Going beyond conventional discussions by examining sports as not only a cultural but also a geopolitical battleground, this book is essential reading for any advanced student, researcher, or policymaker with an interest in the sociology of sport, postcolonial studies, anthropology, religious studies, security studies, migration, or South Asian studies.